1977 | Jaguar XJ 5.3 C

The XJ series of motorcars were the mainstay of Jaguar cars since 1968 and, in fact, was the last motorcar to have any input by Sir William Lyons, its founder. After the series I and II, a relatively short run of two-door XJ coupés with a pillarless hardtop body called the XJ-C were built between 1975 and 1978. The car was actually launched at the London Motor Show in October 1973, but it subsequently became clear that it was not ready for production, the economic troubles unfolding in the western world at this time seem to further reduced any sense of urgency about producing and selling the cars. They finally started to emerge from Jaguar showrooms only some two years later. These were priced higher than the four-door car so were immediately relatively exclusive.

The profile of this pillarless coupe is both attractive and elegant. Presented in good order throughout the body is straight and the door shuts are good. The British Racing Green paintwork is generally in good order and the black trim shows little signs of wear. This Jaguar coupe is fitted with a five-speed Getrag manual gearbox. The gearbox and the V12 engine are well mated and on a recent test drive the car fired up on request and performed exhilaratingly well. During his tenure this enthusiast owned example has benefitted from dry storage. Offered to auction with a V5C registration document and a file containing various bills and receipts this stunning Jaguar is ready for a new custodian. Consigned by Dominic Lake.